Lauren Cumming named principal at Bernard Middle

We are pleased to announce that Lauren Cumming will be the principal of Bernard Middle School beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Last night, the Mehlville School District Board of Education unanimously voted to approve her hiring. Several highly qualified candidates applied for the position, and parents, students and staff were all involved in the selection process.

"Mrs. Cumming is a model example of servant leader," said Dr. Jeff Bresler, assistant superintendent, supervision of schools, of Mehlville School District. "She's a lead learner who strives for continuous improvement and creates an environment where every staff member and student can find success. We know she will continue the forward momentum created under the leadership of Lori Sullivan."

Cumming's experience in school administration includes her role as assistant principal at Bernard Middle School for the past three years. Prior to that she taught foreign language and French at Oakville Middle School for seven years. Cumming was named the Missouri State Assistant Principal of the Year. She has served on the district’s Leadership Development Program Committee, Middle School Standards Based Grading Committee and Middle School Innovative Scheduling Committee. Cumming earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University. She has a Masters of Arts in Education and Masters of Administration K-12 from Lindenwood University. She is currently pursuing an educational doctorate with an anticipated graduation date of November 2020.

"I am truly honored and incredibly excited to continue supporting the Bernard community as the new head principal next school year," Cumming said. "Bernard has high expectations for student achievement in classroom learning environments that are engaging and relevant to the real world. I look forward to working with each of our families and teachers to help our students continue to explore their potential along their paths as lifelong learners."

Cumming lives in Glendale with her husband, Paul.

Cumming will begin serving as principal at Bernard Middle School on July 1, 2019. She replaces Lori Sullivan who announced her retirement earlier in the school year.